The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 6v. Caster oil (Ricinus communis). The seeds are very toxic due to the presence of the protein ricin. A dose of ricin as small as a few grains of salt can kill a man so great care should be taken when handling this plant. The heat process used to extract the oil from the seeds destroys the ricin. Caster oil seeds have been found in Egyptian tombs. The Greeks used the oil to anoint their bodies. Castor oil is used medicinally as a laxative and a purgative. (1) (B)